THE cheapest staycation option in the UK has been revealed – and it’s one of the country’s best loved seaside resorts.
Rising flight and accommodation costs mean lots of people are looking to stay in the UK this summer instead of going abroad.
AlamyBlackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the top ten theme parks in the world on TripAdvisor[/caption]
It turns out that anyone looking to save money on their staycation should consider Blackpool as an option.
Research conducted by finance specialists, RIFT, has revealed that the seaside town topped the table as the nation’s best staycation destination this year.
Their research took into account a range of factors, including the cost of accommodation and a family day out to a nearby attraction, as well as the price of a pint and a fish and chip supper.
Of all the places RIFT looked at, Blackpool ranked as the cheapest destination for a pint at £3.25.
It was also home to the most affordable fish and chip supper, which came in at less than a tenner (£9.06).
A night in Blackpool isn’t expensive either, with guesthouses just 200 yards from the beach available from £21 for two on Booking.com.
Caravan and camping pitches nearby are available for even less, at around £10 per night.
There are plenty of reasons why families enjoy visiting Blackpool, including the tower, Madame Tussauds and of course Pleasure Beach theme park.
The seaside fairground was voted the eighth best theme park in the world on TripAdvisor earlier this year.
The resort has been the subject of ridicule due to the its reputation as a place for dated seaside holidays, with donkey rides and “kiss me quick” hats.
However, the theme park has more than done its bit to change the image of Blackpool as an international tourist destination.
The ratings for Pleasure Beach have improved its position significantly from last year, seeing it climb six places.
It has a score of 4/5 overall from more than 14,500 reviews.
One five star review from this year reads: “We were having so much fun and didn’t want to leave.”
Another said: “We had a great day yesterday. It was brilliant. We definitely will be coming back!”
A third added: “Rides wonderful – great mix of white knuckle and tamer rides. Icon and the big one amazing!
“Got drenched on the little log flume which was fantastic.”
Bradley Post from RIFT said: “This summer Bank Holiday many households will be considering a staycation again this year in order to help keep costs down, while also enjoying some of the outstanding spots we have right here on our doorstep.
“Depending on what you want from a holiday, it pays to do your research and identify which the best options are for accommodation, day trips, food and drink and so on.
“You may have a caravan and so high accommodation costs aren’t an issue, or you prefer to cook at home so the cost of eating out is irrelevant.
“But if you want an option that offers the best all round experience, you can’t go wrong with the bright lights of Blackpool.”
Meanwhile, this is the cheapest theme park in the UK, with the most affordable tickets.
And these ideas can entertain kids for cheap during holidays.
AlamyBlackpool is the most affordable place in the UK for a staycation[/caption]